Why more private clinics are switching to e-prescriptions
Private clinics are increasingly switching to e-prescriptions thanks to the increased efficiency, improved safety and enhanced patient experience that they offer.
E-prescriptions are already widely used in the UK, representing over 95% of prescriptions in primary care (according to NHS data).
For private clinics, specific e-prescription software exists to make their lives easier - reducing clinic admin time, improving accuracy of prescriptions and increasing efficiency for all parties.
We’ll explore the many benefits of e-prescriptions that are convincing private clinics to start issuing prescriptions electronically.
If you’re a private clinic looking to start issuing e-prescriptions, Healistic is the fastest and easiest way to e-prescribe in the UK.
What are the Benefits of E-Prescriptions?
E-prescriptions offer so many benefits - for practitioners, pharmacies and patients. Here are the key advantages of using an e-prescription software:
Efficiency
Prescribing electronically improves efficiency significantly, with research from Senedd indicating an average of 3 minutes saved per prescription - that soon adds up. Practitioners can prescribe instantly (under 60 seconds) and have immediate access to patient medical records to flag any allergies or drug interactions. The result? Faster, safer, more accurate prescriptions.
They also handle automated repeat prescriptions saving a staggering 2.7 million hours for clinics each year!
By automating this process, it saves the patient having to go to the clinic and the practitioner having to make a new prescription each time.
Safety
E-prescribing is also a safer way to issue prescriptions. As the prescriptions are issued on a digital prescription platform, the system is integrated with medical databases and patient medical history.
This means that the practitioner can see in the moment of issuing the prescription any drug interactions or patient allergies. Practitioners can access immediate information that allows them to make more informed, safer decisions - in a matter of seconds.
Taking out the handwritten paper prescriptions also makes the process safer, reducing dispensing errors such as misinterpretation of handwriting. Because the prescription is transmitted electronically, it goes directly from the practitioner to the pharmacy - there’s no opportunity for the paper to go missing or to be read by someone unauthorised.
Automation
Processes are automated thanks to e-prescription platforms, meaning that medical professionals can issue private prescriptions in a few clicks. The systems support processes like repeat prescriptions - saving significant time for doctors, pharmacies and patients.
Compliance and Security
Private clinics must choose an e-prescribing software that ensures compliance with relevant regulations.
E-prescription platforms like Healistic are 100% GDPR and ICO compliant, keeping patient data securely encrypted and stored. Medical professionals can prescribe with peace of mind, knowing that all medical data is fully protected and secure.
Better Patient Experience
E-prescriptions for private clinics are significantly enhancing the patient experience. Patients benefit from reduced waiting times and delivery to the pharmacy of their choice - or even to their door with certain e-prescription platforms like Healistic.
Other advantages include competitive pricing and better stock optimisation (for even shorter waiting times).
Remote Access
Thanks to e-prescriptions, even patients in remote areas can get access to the medication they need, when they need it.
Without even needing to attend the clinic, they can get an appointment via telehealth and get the medication delivered straight to their door.
Controlled Drugs
E-prescription software lets private clinics safely issue prescriptions for controlled drugs. The system supports Controlled Drugs, scheduling 2-5 controlled drugs - easily, efficiently and safely.
Integration
One of the biggest benefits of e-prescription software for private clinics is integration with existing systems. This means that practitioners have instant access to medical databases and can prescribe more accurately and safely. Integration also means that processes like issuing Controlled Drugs or automatic refills are covered.
Cost Savings for Private Clinics
Not only is the e-prescription software totally free to use for private clinics - with no set-up fees or hidden costs - it also can save money in the long-term thanks to improved efficiency, reduced errors and optimised medication management.
It also saves money for patients who benefit from competitive medication prices.
Can a Private Prescription be Sent Electronically?
Yes! Private clinics can use e-prescription software to help them issue prescriptions electronically in a matter of seconds.
They need to adhere to specific guidelines to make sure that the process is safe and secure.
Can Private Doctors Give NHS Prescriptions?
No, private doctors are not able to NHS prescriptions. These are specific only to the National Health Service practitioners and patients.
Private clinics issue private prescriptions which are paid for by the patient and entirely separate from the NHS. Patients cover the cost of this medication without NHS subsidies.
What are the Advantages of Private Prescriptions for Patients?
Private e-prescription software partners with a nationwide network of UK pharmacies. That means that patients can benefit from stock optimisation - getting the medication they need as soon as possible rather than waiting for it to come in stock at their local pharmacy.
It also means that they benefit from the most competitive prices rather than being stuck paying for the price of their specific pharmacy.
Why Private Clinics are Switching to E-Prescriptions with Healistic
Healistic is the easiest way for private doctors in the UK to issue prescriptions, facilitating e-prescriptions in a matter of seconds. It is free for private clinics to use and offers countless benefits.
The software is streamlined for Controlled Drugs (schedules 2-5), and has seamless integrations with electronic health records and automated repeat scripts - everything to make life easier for private doctors and clinic staff. In fact, it can save over 10 hours a week in administrative tasks.
Private clinics can offer their patients the best prescription experience possible with industry-leading stock availability for minimum waiting time, competitive and affordable pricing and delivery straight to their door in less than 24 hours (or as little as 2 hours for London patients!).
We even handle patient support - enabling them to track their medication and ask us any questions along the way - without ever needing to take up the valuable time of clinic staff.
And, with 100% GDPR and ICO compliance and secure, encrypted e-prescription data, we’ve got you covered when it comes to compliance. Private doctors can prescribe with peace of mind knowing that all patient information is fully protected.
If you’re a private clinic looking to switch to e-prescriptions in 2025, get in touch today to see how we can help make your medical workflow safer and more efficient.
